Before you retire
If a member with at least 10 years dies after June 30, 2018 without having applied for retirement, a spouse married to the member for at least 2 years (or, if none, dependent children) may receive a monthly benefit computed as if the member retired at the later of age 50 or the day before death and elected the joint and 100% survivor option ($185 minimum if eligible for normal retirement at death). The DC balance goes to the named beneficiary, or the estate if none. Hybrid Handbook pp. 42-43, §9.2; '96 Account actuarial valuation (June 30, 2025), p. 57, Pre-retirement death; INPRS ACFR FY2025 p. 31
After you retire
Paid according to the option chosen at retirement; the survivor must be on file before death. The payment options. Hybrid Handbook p. 42, §9.1
If you become disabled
With 5 or more years and a Social Security disability determination (with an employment relationship at onset), a disability retirement is computed like a regular benefit on service to the onset date, without early reduction, minimum $185/month (A-1 or actuarial equivalent). Classroom disability: active teacher with 5 years and a disability lasting 6+ months; $125/month plus $5 per year over five years (valuation). Apply within one year of diagnosis. Hybrid Handbook pp. 33-35, §7.10; '96 Account actuarial valuation (June 30, 2025), p. 57 (Regular disability benefit $125 + $5)
From the sources
- If you die before retiring with at least 10 years, a spouse you've been married to for 2 or more years (or, if none, dependent children) may get a monthly pension. It's figured as if you retired at the later of 50 or the day before your death and chose the 100% survivor option.Hybrid Handbook pp. 42-43, §9.2; '96 Account actuarial valuation (June 30, 2025), p. 57
- Your DC account goes to the beneficiary you name, or to your estate if you haven't named one. Keep it up to date: getting married doesn't change it.Hybrid Handbook p. 10, §2.6-2.7; p. 42, §9.2
- When a retiree dies, a representative reports the death to INPRS, sends back the paperwork INPRS mails with a death certificate, and INPRS works out what is owed to the survivor or estate.Hybrid Handbook p. 42, §9.1 Death in Retirement
- Your survivor must be named and on file with INPRS before you die. INPRS can't accept a change of survivor after your death.Hybrid Handbook p. 42, §9.1
- If you haven't been married two years and have no dependent children when you die before retiring, no survivor pension is paid; your DC account still goes to your beneficiary.Hybrid Handbook pp. 42-43, §9.2
- You can generally leave your DC account to a trust, but a survivor pension can go to a trust only if it is a revocable trust that gives you unrestricted access.Hybrid Handbook p. 43, §9.3 Trust as Death Beneficiary
- After you retire, you can change your survivor or payment option without a major life event; a fee may apply after the first change. You can't switch to the five-year guarantee, and removing a living spouse needs a divorce decree or the spouse's consent.Hybrid Handbook p. 39, §7.21
Questions
What does my spouse get if I die before retiring?
With at least 10 years of service, a spouse married to you for 2 or more years may get a monthly pension figured as if you had retired and chosen the 100% survivor option. Your DC account goes to your named beneficiary.
What happens after I retire?
It depends on the payment option you chose. Five-Year Certain and Life pays the rest of 60 payments; the joint options pay your survivor 100%, 66 2/3% or 50% for life.
Source: Teachers' Retirement Fund Hybrid Plan Member Handbook, Effective 07/01/2025, pp. 10, 33-35, 39, 42-43, 42, 43. Also: '96 Account actuarial valuation (June 30, 2025) p. 57; INPRS ACFR FY2025 p. 31. Last reviewed .